FROM THE EDITOR

Every Memorial Day, Americans takes a break from their routine to honor those who died while fighting for their country.

Veterans Day has a similar purpose: Honoring those who served.

But there is a distinct and important difference between the two holidays. While Memorial Day honors the dead, Veterans Day celebrates the service of those still alive to receive the recognition.

Each Veterans Day serves as a passing of the torch, of sorts. With every passing year, sadly, more veterans of earlier wars, World War II and the Korean conflict in particular, become part of American history.

Their day now becomes Memorial Day.

In their place, young men and women return from more recent conflicts, primarily in the Middle East, to rebuild their lives.

These are the veterans we honor this weekend.

Only one Wachusett town has a Veterans Day parade.

In fact, Sterling has a weekend of events. Sterling has a parade scheduled, preceded by a ham and bean supper the night before. The day’s events also include a display of portraits of fallen soldiers. Read more details on page 13.

We should all attempt to participate in at least a portion of the festivities.

And the remaining towns should consider doing something next year. Times are tough, money is tight and schedules are packed.

But even a simple ceremony around a flagpole can make a powerful statement.

And that statement comes down to two simple words, shared far less often than they should be.